Dennis Camplin
Friday, December 20, 2002
the next new thing... bored with being "postmod"?
David Hopkins posted an article entitled “the next new thing… bored with being “postmod”?’ His article for the most part is pointing out the addiction of evangelicals to move from one fad to the next – especially when fads can be so easily marketed among us.
Over the years I have seen a lot of fads come and go. Usually they fill a need at the time but fail to be comprehensive and so the next fad tends to fill some of the gaps left by the previous one.
An interesting statement made by David is this: “Postmodernism was a popular issue. I think the topic is on its way out.”
This statement feels like he is using the term ‘postmodern’ or ‘postmod’ in a very faddy way. I think there are fads in our early awareness of the huge change that we call postmodernism. For instance the e-church or even the house church movement may be fads that will have a short shelf life. Time will tell.
But “postmodern” changes have been developing for decades and will certainly last for decades if not centuries. These changes have been recognized, discussed and written about in the arts for most of the time we in the church have been focused on church growth and building the mega-church -- stuff that we now call 'modern' or 'market-driven.' Postmodern is a bigger term than some trends that come and go within a few years. Maybe we need to use different labels for changes that will not last long.
Then, or course, even my cry for proper labels shows that I AM an old guy reflecting back over a fair bit of time!
¶ 11:18 PM 0 comments
David Hopkins posted an article entitled “the next new thing… bored with being “postmod”?’ His article for the most part is pointing out the addiction of evangelicals to move from one fad to the next – especially when fads can be so easily marketed among us.
Over the years I have seen a lot of fads come and go. Usually they fill a need at the time but fail to be comprehensive and so the next fad tends to fill some of the gaps left by the previous one.
An interesting statement made by David is this: “Postmodernism was a popular issue. I think the topic is on its way out.”
This statement feels like he is using the term ‘postmodern’ or ‘postmod’ in a very faddy way. I think there are fads in our early awareness of the huge change that we call postmodernism. For instance the e-church or even the house church movement may be fads that will have a short shelf life. Time will tell.
But “postmodern” changes have been developing for decades and will certainly last for decades if not centuries. These changes have been recognized, discussed and written about in the arts for most of the time we in the church have been focused on church growth and building the mega-church -- stuff that we now call 'modern' or 'market-driven.' Postmodern is a bigger term than some trends that come and go within a few years. Maybe we need to use different labels for changes that will not last long.
Then, or course, even my cry for proper labels shows that I AM an old guy reflecting back over a fair bit of time!
¶ 11:18 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Words and Images
I have often used PowerPoint with sermons to capture main points and highlight some of the points in the sermon. While on staff at Lakeview we had a great resource in a digital storyteller, Jeb Runquist. Jeb and his staff did a great job of creating images that were vital in communication of the message.
When I came to Calgary, though we use PowerPoint in the services, I did not have access to the skills needed to do a great job. I tried to create some stuff on my own but my limited knowledge, software and skill produced slides that were less than professional and/or effective..
Therefore, we have pretty much stopped using PP during the sermon. However I am delighted that this Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we have a PP presentation that will greatly enhance the communication of the message. This is the work of a layperson who wants to have a vital ministry in the church.
As I have reviewed her work, I am amazed and encouraged at the power of image. Though words are involved, the images really tell the story. This is really a win/win situation. While some people (probably the word-based older generation) will enjoy the images because they are cute, others (imaged-based people) will “get” the message through the image.
¶ 1:31 PM 0 comments
I have often used PowerPoint with sermons to capture main points and highlight some of the points in the sermon. While on staff at Lakeview we had a great resource in a digital storyteller, Jeb Runquist. Jeb and his staff did a great job of creating images that were vital in communication of the message.
When I came to Calgary, though we use PowerPoint in the services, I did not have access to the skills needed to do a great job. I tried to create some stuff on my own but my limited knowledge, software and skill produced slides that were less than professional and/or effective..
Therefore, we have pretty much stopped using PP during the sermon. However I am delighted that this Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we have a PP presentation that will greatly enhance the communication of the message. This is the work of a layperson who wants to have a vital ministry in the church.
As I have reviewed her work, I am amazed and encouraged at the power of image. Though words are involved, the images really tell the story. This is really a win/win situation. While some people (probably the word-based older generation) will enjoy the images because they are cute, others (imaged-based people) will “get” the message through the image.
¶ 1:31 PM 0 comments
Friday, December 13, 2002
Characteristics of the Younger Evangelicals
Working through Weber’s book, the Younger Evangelicals - Facing the Challenges of the New World is a very affirming experience for me.
For one thing, his summary review of the past 50 years in the evangelical camp is worth the read. The changes that were happening during those years are easier to see – or at least put into perspective – in hindsight. An interesting observation is that changes are happening much more quickly than they have in the past. For instance, Weber marks September 11, 2001 as a defining moment for the younger leaders.
The characteristics that Weber identifies and describes look both back into the past and forward into the future. They recapture some of the forms, values and experiences of former days (more “former” than 1950!) but move to the future within the context of a “post”modern world. They are doing more than reacting to their parents’ values and practices – though there is a huge degree of reaction that is normal from one generation to the next.
As I read the characteristics of the younger Evangelicals I am encouraged for the future of the church. This generation is different than any that has gone before it. Therefore, the church it creates will be different than any that has gone before.
As a person whose formation has been in the traditional evangelical camp, I want to be open to these new changes to such an extent that I will be an encourager to them!
¶ 12:11 PM 0 comments
Working through Weber’s book, the Younger Evangelicals - Facing the Challenges of the New World is a very affirming experience for me.
For one thing, his summary review of the past 50 years in the evangelical camp is worth the read. The changes that were happening during those years are easier to see – or at least put into perspective – in hindsight. An interesting observation is that changes are happening much more quickly than they have in the past. For instance, Weber marks September 11, 2001 as a defining moment for the younger leaders.
The characteristics that Weber identifies and describes look both back into the past and forward into the future. They recapture some of the forms, values and experiences of former days (more “former” than 1950!) but move to the future within the context of a “post”modern world. They are doing more than reacting to their parents’ values and practices – though there is a huge degree of reaction that is normal from one generation to the next.
As I read the characteristics of the younger Evangelicals I am encouraged for the future of the church. This generation is different than any that has gone before it. Therefore, the church it creates will be different than any that has gone before.
As a person whose formation has been in the traditional evangelical camp, I want to be open to these new changes to such an extent that I will be an encourager to them!
¶ 12:11 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Postmodern Fog
These certainly are changing if not confusing days in the life of the church. Everyone from historians to futuremappers are trying to figure things out in order to get a bearing on things.
I just purchased Webber’s book entitled the Younger Evangelicals and another book that I want to read is Surprising Insights from the Unchurched by Thomas Rainer. Then I read Jordon Cooper’s posting "Postmodern Proselytizers" by Josh Dulaney . (I learned a new term – pomo.) The list-serv for our denomination has been reacting to Jordon’s reference to an article ABANDON COMMITTEES, SKIP TEAMS AND EMBRACE COMMUNITIES. Very diverse views are being presented.
I think there is help from all of these materials that challenge our thinking.
I do not agree that the challenges addressed in these books and articles are sidetracks from the main business of church. In fact, we can only be about our main business as we create a context of the body of Christ that makes sense to those who are seeking and joining the journey of following Jesus.
¶ 4:03 PM 0 comments
These certainly are changing if not confusing days in the life of the church. Everyone from historians to futuremappers are trying to figure things out in order to get a bearing on things.
I just purchased Webber’s book entitled the Younger Evangelicals and another book that I want to read is Surprising Insights from the Unchurched by Thomas Rainer. Then I read Jordon Cooper’s posting "Postmodern Proselytizers" by Josh Dulaney . (I learned a new term – pomo.) The list-serv for our denomination has been reacting to Jordon’s reference to an article ABANDON COMMITTEES, SKIP TEAMS AND EMBRACE COMMUNITIES. Very diverse views are being presented.
I think there is help from all of these materials that challenge our thinking.
I do not agree that the challenges addressed in these books and articles are sidetracks from the main business of church. In fact, we can only be about our main business as we create a context of the body of Christ that makes sense to those who are seeking and joining the journey of following Jesus.
¶ 4:03 PM 0 comments
Sunday, December 08, 2002
Obesity
There is an article in yesterday’s Calgary Herald about John Banzhaf who is described as the crusading law professor. John is the one who took on Big Tobacco over the last 35 years and we have seen the effects that he has had on that industry—especially on advertising restrictions. Now he is ready to tackle Big Fat and the industry that contributes to the problem of obesity in North America. Your next hamburger may not carry warning labels, but perhaps there will be a lot more attention given to the high fat content that most fast food products carry.
We hear a lot about the problem of obesity in North America these days. Sitting at the computer writing this is actually part of the problem, so I will keep this short.
The common way to determine obesity in any of its shapes is by using the Body Mass Index. Persons who score over 30 on this scale are considered obese. An index of 25 – 30 labels the category of being overweight. The healthy and preferred range is 21 – 25.
When I do the math on myself I fall into the overweight section – i.e. a BMI between 25 and 30. I am now on a path that is intended to move me into the healthy range. There are two components to the plan I am on.
I have already posted that I am following an exercise plan from Alberto Salazar’s Guide to Running. It is a gradual and easy plan but I have stayed the course for five weeks now so I think I am established in it.
The other part of the equation is a nutrition plan suggested by a food pyramid put out by the Mayo Clinic. I am doing something that I never thought I would do – I am recording everything that I eat for the purpose of tracking. I already see the value of record keeping on this plan because it makes me think twice when I am about to eat something – knowing that I will give account of it on the chart!
Time will tell but I’ll let you know how it goes!
¶ 4:41 PM 0 comments
There is an article in yesterday’s Calgary Herald about John Banzhaf who is described as the crusading law professor. John is the one who took on Big Tobacco over the last 35 years and we have seen the effects that he has had on that industry—especially on advertising restrictions. Now he is ready to tackle Big Fat and the industry that contributes to the problem of obesity in North America. Your next hamburger may not carry warning labels, but perhaps there will be a lot more attention given to the high fat content that most fast food products carry.
We hear a lot about the problem of obesity in North America these days. Sitting at the computer writing this is actually part of the problem, so I will keep this short.
The common way to determine obesity in any of its shapes is by using the Body Mass Index. Persons who score over 30 on this scale are considered obese. An index of 25 – 30 labels the category of being overweight. The healthy and preferred range is 21 – 25.
When I do the math on myself I fall into the overweight section – i.e. a BMI between 25 and 30. I am now on a path that is intended to move me into the healthy range. There are two components to the plan I am on.
I have already posted that I am following an exercise plan from Alberto Salazar’s Guide to Running. It is a gradual and easy plan but I have stayed the course for five weeks now so I think I am established in it.
The other part of the equation is a nutrition plan suggested by a food pyramid put out by the Mayo Clinic. I am doing something that I never thought I would do – I am recording everything that I eat for the purpose of tracking. I already see the value of record keeping on this plan because it makes me think twice when I am about to eat something – knowing that I will give account of it on the chart!
Time will tell but I’ll let you know how it goes!
¶ 4:41 PM 0 comments
Saturday, December 07, 2002
I notice that Jordon Cooper has listed me on his blog-list. What a compliment! The only problem is – this forces me to be more consistent in posting.
As you can see at the top of the page I have posted myself as “reflections from an old guy.” I just recently turned 62 years of age and, though I don’t yet feel old, I expect most people who are into blogging will accept the designation that I give myself.
One other thing. I am just beginning this blogging journey and have a lot to learn. According to Len Sweet I am an immigrant to the culture that I live in and so you will understand that working a blog site is not something that comes naturally to me.
Let me tell you a little of my journey and of what you can expect on this page. I am an ordained minister in The Free Methodist Church in Canada and have been for over 35 years. Therefore, a lot of my reflections will be on matters pertaining to the church and some of the trends and challenges that face the church these days. I have had the privilege of hanging around some young leaders like Jordon Cooper, Jeb Runquest, and other staff at Lakeview Church and therefore have learned a lot about what is being labeled “postmodern.” Over the years I have also observed a number of trends that have influenced and occupied the church and therefore, I filter new stuff through those grids.
I have a few other interests and these will likely appear for time to time on this page as well.
¶ 2:14 PM 0 comments
As you can see at the top of the page I have posted myself as “reflections from an old guy.” I just recently turned 62 years of age and, though I don’t yet feel old, I expect most people who are into blogging will accept the designation that I give myself.
One other thing. I am just beginning this blogging journey and have a lot to learn. According to Len Sweet I am an immigrant to the culture that I live in and so you will understand that working a blog site is not something that comes naturally to me.
Let me tell you a little of my journey and of what you can expect on this page. I am an ordained minister in The Free Methodist Church in Canada and have been for over 35 years. Therefore, a lot of my reflections will be on matters pertaining to the church and some of the trends and challenges that face the church these days. I have had the privilege of hanging around some young leaders like Jordon Cooper, Jeb Runquest, and other staff at Lakeview Church and therefore have learned a lot about what is being labeled “postmodern.” Over the years I have also observed a number of trends that have influenced and occupied the church and therefore, I filter new stuff through those grids.
I have a few other interests and these will likely appear for time to time on this page as well.
¶ 2:14 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
It's been a while but I am still around! I was in Vancouver this past weekend doing some work with David Barbour and a team from the Surrey Free Methodist Church. We call these JDPAS weekends and the purpose of them is to create a job description that is aligned with a church's mission and vision. There is a lot of encouragement for the church to know that they can design things so that they will actually reach a God-giiving visi9o0n -- that we hold out two years in the future.Other churches that participated are: Crossroads Church and Lakeside Church in Salmon Arm, and New Westminister Free Methodist. ¶ 10:41 PM 0 comments
